He grasped the arms of the chair, and half-way started up.
At that moment a deep, hollow groan, which was distinctly heard by all, came apparently from the lips of the corpse.
Webber gave a yell of horror, and dashing out of the bar-room, flew up the area steps into the street.
The other two, after one startled glance at the corpse, darted after their fleeing companion, and never even so much as stopped to breathe until they were far down George Street.
"Now, George," said Old Spicer, quietly, "I think we shall be able to get into the tunnel and vault without being seen."
"No doubt," responded young Morgan; "but how about getting out again? In ten minutes those fools will have a crowd here to see the murdered woman's ghost."
"I shouldn't at all wonder, my boy. But never mind the getting out. If necessary, you know, we can wait in there till the crowd is gone."
"Yes, and all that time Stricket will be waiting for us."
"I fancy he'll sleep till we get back, even if it isn't till morning."
"All right, then, I'm ready to dive into the bowels of the earth."